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Aging cats experience physical changes. Advanced aging can cause minor changes or cat diseases. When caring for senior cats, the cat owner should be aware of normal physical changes and report any significant or sudden changes to the veterinarian.

Aging cats experience physical changes. Advanced aging can cause minor changes or cat diseases. When caring for senior cats, the cat owner should be aware of normal physical changes and report any significant or sudden changes to the veterinarian.

Aging causes normal, gradual physical changes. Dehydration is a concern for senior cats because they become less sensitive to the first drive as they age. Cats may become more sensitive to heat or cold because aging decreases their ability to regulate their body temperatures.

Many older cats lose acuity of their senses. A senior cat may not be able to see or hear as well as it used to when it was young. Even though gradual changes in the cat's senses are normal, any sudden or drastic changes should be checked by a veterinarian since they can be signs of disease or illness.

Infection and certain cat diseases can be partially caused by the advanced age of the cats. Aging cats may develop inflammation of the joints which is known as arthritis. Arthritis can be a painful condition which may require veterinary treatment and may be treated with pain relief medication, diet, and exercise.

Many cat owners may not realize that aging cats often develop changes in their mouths. Dental disease, mouth ulcers, and tooth loss are problems that are common with senior cats. Aging cats may also have decreased saliva production which can cause difficulty in swallowing.

Cat cancer is a common concern for cat owners of senior cats. Signs of cat cancer include the growth of bumps or sores that will not heal. If a cat owner suspects that the senior cat has cancer, the cat owners should have the cat examined by a veterinarian.

Caring for senior cats is different than caring for the cat when it was younger. A diet that is lower in calories can benefit a senior cat, because older cats are less active and therefore useless calories. Therefore, the cat may gain weight if fed the same food as that you see when it was younger and more active. Obesity is a serious concern for older cats sense of the city can make the cat susceptible to diabetes mellitus and arthritis.

Older cats need regular veterinary checkups more frequently than they did as young adults. Veterinarians use these checkups to screen for age-related cat diseases.

Active playing is important for senior cats even though they are often less interested in playing as they age. Active play can help maintain the cat's muscle strength and provides exercise. Cat owners of senior cats should initiate play frequently to encourage the cat to get exercise.